Our Mission
To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.
Our Goals
- Increase learning growth for students
- Decrease the gap in achievement
- Increase annual graduation rates
- Increase gateways to post-secondary success
The Heartland Area Administrators’ Association Meeting is Oct. 4, 2016 from Noon - 1:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center, 8600 Northpark Dr., Johnston, IA.
Oct. Meeting Agenda
For up-to-date meeting information, please refer to the HAA Google Site.
The Heartland AEA Curriculum Network meets Oct. 7, 2016 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive in Johnston. The meeting agenda, handouts and other important documents are located on the Curriculum Network Google Site.
For more information about the Curriculum Network, contact your regional director or Kevin Fangman, Executive Director of District Services, at kfangman@heartlandaea.org or (800) 255-0405 ext. 14374.
Iowa's schools are implementing successful reading interventions every day! These efforts are being supported with a symposium to share effective practices in reading interventions. If you would like to share your school’s interventions and/or instructional strategies with supportive data, consider being a part of the Collaborating for Iowa’s Kids (C4K) annual event and share your knowledge and successes with other educators in our state.
Call for Presenters: Celebrating Iowa’s Success!
Date: Jan. 23, 2017
Location: Iowa Events Center, 730 Third Street, Des Moines
Presenter Application Deadline: Nov. 29, 2016
Selection Date: Dec. 9, 2016
Application Form
For more information, contact Mary Jane Stites or Mark Crady, Coordinators of C4K Training Cadre, at mstites@heartlandaea.org or mcrady@heartlandaea.org.
All Heartland AEA area districts are invited to send a representative(s) to quarterly ESL Advisory/Networking meetings. Participants identify professional development needs and provide input on Title III support for the school year. They also find out firsthand about mini grant opportunities for implementation in their districts.
Meetings are held from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive). The 2016-17 schedule is the following:
2016 Dates:
Sept. 27
Dec. 15 *New Date*
2017 Dates:
Feb. 21
May 9 *New Date*
**This communication provided by Dr. Jobi B. Lawrence, Director, Title III, Iowa Department of Education, (515) 281-3805.
We know that the timeline for getting abbreviated ELPA21 scores has created a very fast-paced process for districts to work with parents on parental notification and meaningful data driven conversations regarding LIEP program waivers. We also know that data files that were sent to Superintendents may have some missing data due to student transfers, testing issues in the spring, etc. We are working with individual districts to help them locate missing data and districts are working together to transfer data for students that have moved within the state. These issues are a normal part of transitioning between assessment systems, and we don’t anticipate these issues in future ELPA21 administrations.
All of these scenarios may create a delay in reporting “final” accurate information for a small number of ELs in our system related to SRI reporting. We have met with the legal team at the Department and collaborated with the SRI team as well to provide the following supportive guidance:
- Districts need to report the students based on the data they have on Oct. 1, 2016 (if they are missing ELPA data, the student remains coded with a status of “1” in the system unless they have a parent waiver on file in which case they can be coded with a status of “2” pending data that may permit exiting).
- When we locate the data for students who may be missing in a district file we will work with that district to clean up their SRI reporting after the certification deadline passes.
- If districts have students who were waived last year and they are working on meeting with parents to secure the waiver for this year, the student must be coded “1” until the waiver is signed. Our Legal Counsel concurred. Again, understanding that we will work with the districts that have waiver dates to make adjustments after they receive the parent signatures. This will be a “corrective” process on our end in collaboration with LEAs.
We are working hard to provide the best transition possible from IELDA to ELPA21 and we greatly appreciate everyone’s continued patience as we work towards improving our assessment system for ELs.
The two-day Iowa Science Standards Module 2 workshops are a continuation of the work that was begun last year with the Iowa Core Science Standards Overview (Module 1). Participation in Module 1 (or something equivalent) is a prerequisite for Module 2. The focus this year will be on unpacking the standards and developing coherent science lessons/units. This will include identifying "the right" (scientific) phenomena to use in a lesson/unit, using portions of the EQuIP Rubric to measure the alignment to the NGSS and overall quality of lessons/units and bundling standards in a lesson/unit. All workshops are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Educators have the option of taking the Iowa Science Standards Module 1 from AEA PD Online. This can be used as a review or as new learning for those who were unable to take the PD last year. If you choose to take the online Module 1, we encourage you to take this session as a group, so you have meaningful group conversations. To access Module 1 Online visit the AEA PD Online website, click on the "Catalog" button and search for "science standards." Participants will need to login (or create a login) in order to take this online module.
All Module 2 workshops and registration links can be found on this page of our website.
Are you seeking clarity on how to be more efficient and effective in building a system of supports for your students? Do you have a culture of collective responsibility? Or maybe you need assistance on improving your Iowa School Report Card rating? To get answers to these questions and more, leadership teams are invited to attend this MTSS Academy.
An Academy for Middle Schools and High Schools MTSS: Creating a Systematic Process to Ensure all Students Learn at High Levels
Dates: Oct. 14 and Oct. 21, 2016
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Register here
For more information, call (800) 255-0405 ext. 14701.
As widespread reform in teacher evaluation sweeps across the United States, school districts are responding by developing new professional performance review protocols for use in the evaluation process. Experts agree (Danielson & McGreal, 2000; Hammond 2013: Silverberg & Jungwirth, 2014), however, that it is not the evaluation instrument, but the evaluation process, particularly the communication between the evaluator and the teacher, that will determine whether or not evaluation supports growth and learning.
The maps and tools of Cognitive Coaching℠ offer the skill set needed for administrators and supervisors to conduct an evaluation process that supports professional development and promotes self-directedness in those they are evaluating.
This 2-day session is specially designed for administrators who have not taken the Cognitive Coaching Foundation Seminar. Participants will learn one conversation structure, the four basic tools of Cognitive Coaching℠, along with concepts and practices related to giving feedback and supporting thinking. This knowledge and skill can be integrated into any evaluation system in order to bring a growth-producing dimension often missing from traditional evaluation.
Self-Directed Evaluation Conversations
Date: Nov. 1-2, 2016
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA
Register here
Collaborating for Iowa’s Kids (C4K) is a partnership between schools and leaders with a commitment across the educational system to work effectively and efficiently to achieve statewide priorities, like the Iowa Core, Learner Strategies and Supports, School Improvement, Educator Quality and Teacher Leadership.
The C4K leadership team is offering administrators ongoing webinars related to the tools and resources for MTSS and the early literacy initiative.
Plan to engage in the first administrator webinar with your colleagues on Nov. 8, 2016, from 2:00-3:15 p.m. Additional information about this webinar will be forthcoming. Learn more here
The 2016 Global Education Institute for teachers will be held on the University of Iowa campus, Dec. 10-11, 2016. Forty middle, junior and high school teachers will be selected to attend this year's institute and will receive free tuition. The first 20 teachers to register who live outside a 25-mile radius of Iowa City will receive free housing. Sponsored by the Stanley Foundation and UI International Programs, the institute provides 1 license renewal credit for participants.
Apply by Oct. 30, 2016. Application forms are available on the Institute's website.
If you have any questions, contact Amy Green, UI International Programs, at (319) 335-1433 or amy-green-1@uiowa.edu.
The dissemination of information from external organizations by Heartland AEA does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. It is being passed on to our stakeholders for its educational value.
DMACC Ankeny Campus has the following surplus supplies available. If interested, contact Julie Klocke at jaklocke1@dmacc.edu.
20 sled based desks
Welcome to the October issue of Each and Every Child. This month takes a refreshing – and successful – look at comprehensive work being done district wide on behavior.
Our Mission
To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.
Our Goals
Increase learning growth for students
Decrease the gap in achievement
Increase annual graduation rates
Increase gateways to post-secondary success
The October Heartland Administrators' Association (HAA) meeting is just around the corner and with our changed format, there will be time for the group to exchange ideas and interact with other partners. We’d like you to help us prioritize the topics you have interest discussing with your colleagues. Please complete this short survey. Thank you for your input!
Iowa's schools are implementing successful reading interventions every day! These efforts are being supported with a symposium to share effective practices in reading interventions. If you would like to share your school’s interventions and/or instructional strategies with supportive data, consider being a part of the Collaborating for Iowa’s Kids (C4K) annual event and share your knowledge and successes with other educators in our state.
Call for Presenters: Celebrating Iowa’s Success!
Date: Jan. 23, 2017
Location: Iowa Events Center, 730 Third Street, Des Moines
Presenter Application Deadline: Nov. 29, 2016
Selection Date: Dec. 9, 2016
Application Form
For more information, contact Mary Jane Stites or Mark Crady, Coordinators of C4K Training Cadre, at
mstites@heartlandaea.org or mcrady@heartlandaea.org.
The two-day Iowa Science Standards Module 2 workshops are a continuation of the work that was begun last year with the Iowa Core Science Standards Overview (Module 1). Participation in Module 1 (or something equivalent) is a prerequisite for Module 2. The focus this year will be on unpacking the standards and developing coherent science lessons/units. This will include identifying "the right" (scientific) phenomena to use in a lesson/unit, using portions of the EQuIP Rubric to measure the alignment to the NGSS and overall quality of lessons/units and bundling standards in a lesson/unit. All workshops are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Educators have the option of taking the Iowa Science Standards Module 1 from AEA PD Online. This can be used as a review or as new learning for those who were unable to take the PD last year. If you choose to take the online Module 1, we encourage you to take this session as a group, so you have meaningful group conversations. To access Module 1 Online visit the AEA PD Online website, click on the "Catalog" button and search for "science standards." Participants will need to login (or create a login) in order to take this online module.
All Module 2 workshops and registration links can be found on this page of our website.
Are you seeking clarity on how to be more efficient and effective in building a system of supports for your students? Do you have a culture of collective responsibility? Or maybe you need assistance on improving your Iowa School Report Card rating? To get answers to these questions and more, leadership teams are invited to attend this MTSS Academy.
An Academy for Middle Schools and High Schools MTSS: Creating a Systematic Process to Ensure all Students Learn at High Levels
Dates: Oct. 14 and Oct. 21, 2016
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Register here
For more information, call (800) 255-0405 ext. 14701.
Collaborating for Iowa’s Kids (C4K) is a partnership between schools and leaders with a commitment across the educational system to work effectively and efficiently to achieve statewide priorities, like the Iowa Core, Learner Strategies and Supports, School Improvement, Educator Quality and Teacher Leadership.
The C4K leadership team is offering administrators ongoing webinars related to the tools and resources for MTSS and the early literacy initiative.
Plan to engage in the first administrator webinar with your colleagues on Nov. 8, 2016, from 2:00-3:15 p.m. Additional information about this webinar will be forthcoming. Learn more here
The Heartland AEA Family & Educator Partnership Resource Fair, Oct. 8, 2016, is an event for families to enjoy together. The Fair offers students with special needs and their families an opportunity to meet service providers from central Iowa. Adults can also attend presentations on challenging behavior or transitioning students to life after high school.
Heartland AEA Family & Educator Partnership Resource Fair
Date: Oct. 8, 2016
Location: Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater, 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA
Time: 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Families attending the fair receive free admission to the Science Center and free parking in the ramp. To enable parents' full participation in breakout sessions, stipends are available to bring along a childcare provider or assistant for your child.
Schedule
8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Registration
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Breakout Sessions
*Managing Your Child's Challenging Behavior
*Life After High School: Transitions to Adult Services
10:00 a.m. - Noon Service Provider Tables Open
The Science Center opens to the general public at 10:00 a.m. and families are welcome to explore at their leisure.
MISIC is hosting a series of workshops on Leading the Iowa Standards, Smarter Balanced Assessments and new standards for PE, Art and Music. MISIC worked with groups of teachers in PE, Art and Music to develop an exemplary set of standards based on the new national standards from Shape America and National Coalition for Core Arts Standards. Visit the MISIC website for more information.
Iowa Department of Education leaders will hit the road this fall as part of a statewide tour to gather public input as they develop a plan to meet the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Nine public input meetings will be held across Iowa from September through November with the first one scheduled Sept. 26 at Heartland AEA in Johnston from 5:00-7:00 p.m. All meeting dates and locations are listed on the Iowa Department of Education website.
Our Mission
To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.
Our Goals
- Increase learning growth for students
- Decrease the gap in achievement
- Increase annual graduation rates
- Increase gateways to post-secondary success
Iowa Culture and Language Conference
Date: Nov. 15-16, 2016
Location: Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
Coralville, Iowa
Conference Registration
Early Bird Registration (ends Oct. 15): $145
Pre-Registration (Oct. 16-Nov. 9): $175
District participants and administrators in the EL Leadership Academy are encouraged to register during the Early Bird window to avoid additional registration costs.
Pre-Conference
Nov. 14, 2016
Registration Rate for Nov. 14 ONLY: $140
Send Teams!
Plan to send teams of ESL and non-ESL educators. In addition, per recent Iowa Department of Education guidance, district teams that were required to write Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) in 2015-16 will still be required to attend a special CAP session at ICLC, however no new districts will get added to the CAP List in 2016-17.
**Heartland AEA Support: Heartland AEA will provide the following support through district reimbursement following the conference:
- Registration fees for both the pre-conference and conference
- Sub costs
- Flat amount to districts to defray mileage and hotel costs ($200 per participant) NEW!
Claim forms will be available at the conference.
Registration and additional information for the Iowa Culture and Language Conference is located at iowaclc.com.
Our Visible Learning Institute is filling up quickly! We are pleased that 22 of our districts will be represented. There is still time to sign up if you and members of your district are interested. We spoke with the facilitator and he suggested that superintendents bring at least one other district person with them so that they can work as a team during the presentations. This is not a requirement but merely a recommendation. If you are interested, sign up as soon as possible.
PRESS (Path to Reading Excellence in School Sites) Trainings are two-day learning opportunities for training cadre members, agency consultants and school leadership teams. The goal for PRESS and C4K is to train district and non-public school staff to use PRESS interventions for literacy at the targeted levels in grades K-6 while developing AEA and state capacity to support implementation within the Universal Instruction and Intervention System facilitation guides.
PRESS is integrating with the C4K statewide system and a variety of learning opportunities and resources for Iowa educators will be available to help establish a school-based system and practices for all K-6 students in order to become capable readers.
Registration Links:
Closing date for registration will be one week prior to the PRESS event.
Heartland AEA (Ames)
Sept. 26-27, 2016
Registration Link
Grant Wood AEA (Cedar Rapids)
Sept. 29-30, 2016
Registration Link
The Heartland AEA Family & Educator Partnership Resource Fair, Oct. 8, 2016, is an event for families to enjoy together. The Fair offers students with special needs and their families an opportunity to meet service providers from central Iowa. Adults can also attend presentations on challenging behavior or transitioning students to life after high school.
Heartland AEA Family & Educator Partnership Resource Fair
Date: Oct. 8, 2016
Location: Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater, 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA
Time: 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Families attending the fair receive free admission to the Science Center and free parking in the ramp. To enable parents' full participation in breakout sessions, stipends are available to bring along a childcare provider or assistant for your child.
Schedule
8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Registration
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Breakout Sessions:
~ Managing Your Child's Challenging Behavior
~ Life After High School: Transitions to Adult Services
10:00 a.m. - Noon Service Provider Tables Open
*The Science Center opens to the general public at 10:00 a.m. and families are welcome to explore at their leisure.
The annual Iowa Transition Conference provides two days of professional and personal development for those around the state of Iowa who are interested and engaged in assisting young adults with disabilities achieve positive outcomes as they exit the public school system and move into adulthood. Many different organizations and agencies who interact with these young adults will be in attendance to share their knowledge, to enhance their knowledge and to make new connections with others who have the same passion. More information and registration link can be found at the Transition Iowa Google site or the Iowa Department of Education website.
Iowa Transition Conference
Date: Sept. 28-29, 2016
Location: Iowa State Center--Scheman Building, 1805 Center Dr, Ames, IA
Registration is FREE at this link
Target audience: teachers, administrators, AEA staff, vocational rehab counselors, parents and others interested in secondary transition for students with disabilities
MISIC is hosting a series of workshops on Leading the Iowa Standards, Smarter Balanced Assessments as well as some workshops on the new standards for PE, Art and Music. MISIC worked with groups of teachers in PE, Art and Music to develop an exemplary set of standards based on the new national standards from Shape America and National Coalition for Core Arts Standards. These workshops are open to non-MISIC members and you’ll find links for workshops below:
High school seniors and full-time current college students, including non-traditional students may apply for a $500 scholarship through the Iowa Environmental Health Association (IEHA). Application deadline is Feb. 1, 2017. The IEHA is the professional association of environmental specialists in Iowa, involved in environmental and public education, development of groundwater, wastewater management and swimming pool regulations, food service personnel certification programs, and well contractor certifications. Scholarship information and instructions are outlined in this letter from IEHA.
DMACC Urban campus has the following surplus supplies available. If interested, contact Julie Klocke at jaklocke1@dmacc.edu.
Five attached computer tables 5 x 2 and one desk to match available
Our Mission
To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.
Our Goals
- Increase learning growth for students
- Decrease the gap in achievement
- Increase annual graduation rates
- Increase gateways to post-secondary success
During the Heartland Area Administrator meeting this week, Tom Ahart, Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent, alerted participants of the U.S. Department of Education’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Title I, Part A. The proposed regulation will address the supplement not supplant requirement (SNS).
The initial draft provisions appear to require local schools to use actual teacher salaries for SNS purposes; it is the belief by many that this requirement would impose a significant additional burden on local schools and is not required by the actual ESSA legislation.
Links to the Notice and additional background information are provided below. Any interested stakeholder will have an opportunity to comment on these proposed regulations during the 60-day comment period following notice in the Federal Register.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Policy Review of SNS
The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) has created a resource library designed to support school superintendents in their efforts to understand and implement Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). These resources are focused on both explaining the law and ensuring school superintendents are a go-to source for information on what’s in the law, what it means for schools and the variety of things all stakeholders must consider as they navigate the new federal law. Check this page regularly as resources will be continually updated and expanded.
Click here to download the 2016-17 Heartland AEA Superintendent Directory. A limited supply of these directories were printed and will be distributed at the September HAA meeting. If you would like a hard copy, please contact Julie McCarty, Communications Specialist, at jmccarty@heartlandaea.org.
The former Parent & Educator Connection has a new name but is still focused on the same mission.
Iowa Family & Educator Partnership helps build positive partnerships between parents and educators so children with special needs are successful. FEP coordinators are parents of children or young adults with special needs, so they share a unique perspective with the families they serve. They provide support and information to families individually and through parent workshops and support groups. They also facilitate linkages between families, schools and community agencies.
Contact the FEP coordinator assigned to your school district if you need assistance or information.
Anyone administering the Tennessee English Language Placement Assessment (TELPA) during the 2016-17 academic year must certify or recertify through training on AEA PD Online.
PRESS (Path to Reading Excellence in School Sites) Trainings are two-day learning opportunities for training cadre members, agency consultants and school leadership teams. The goal for PRESS and C4K is to train district and non-public school staff to use PRESS interventions for literacy at the targeted levels in grades K-6 while developing AEA and state capacity to support implementation within the Universal Instruction and Intervention System facilitation guides.
PRESS is integrating with the C4K statewide system and a variety of learning opportunities and resources for Iowa educators will be available to help establish a school-based system and practices for all K-6 students in order to become capable readers.
Registration Links:
Closing date for registration will be one week prior to the PRESS event.
Buena Vista University (Storm Lake)
Sept. 19-20, 2016
Registration Link
Heartland AEA (Ames)
Sept. 26-27, 2016
Registration Link
Grant Wood AEA (Cedar Rapids)
Sept. 29-30, 2016
Registration Link
This class is the required course to receive the Paraeducator Certification Generalist II with the Area of Concentration: English as a Second Language (ESL). Through this course, participants will gain knowledge, skills and strategies to assist and support ESL students.
Dates: Nov. 5, Dec. 10, 2016; Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 4 & April 8, 2017
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA
Register here
Cost: Take advantage of special pricing at $25 as the cost may increase in January 2017.
Title III funds will provide a stipend of $300 for all paraeducators who work with ELLs and who fulfill the course requirements and are currently employed by a public or non-public K-12 school in Heartland AEA 11. This option is not available for employees of Des Moines Public Schools. A reimbursement claim form will be available the last day of class.
John Hattie’s work has fundamentally changed what we know about what works in education. Through a partnership with Corwin, Heartland AEA is pleased to bring the Visible Learning Institute to area schools. The Visible Learning Plus program includes a three-part foundational series of seminars in which participants learn about Hattie’s work and the Visible Learning approach.
Visible Learning & Deep Equity Program for Heartland AEA Partners
Dates: Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6, 2016 & March 7, 2017
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 8600 Northpark Dr., Johnston, IA 50131
Cost: *See Fee and Credit Options in Registration Link
Register by Sept. 9 at this link
**Secure your spot today! Superintendents are invited to register by SEPT. 9, 2016. After that date, registration will open for Heartland AEA staff and individuals outside of the Agency.**
Visible Learning is an in-depth school change model of professional learning and development. It’s designed for school-based leadership teams to systematically examine effective instructional practices in order to determine the impact on student achievement and learning. By considering the effects of the practices of teachers and leaders, schools will be able to make substantial gains in student achievement.
Participants will explore:
- The key philosophy of Visible Learning and the major factors that influence student learning and achievement
- The importance of effect sizes as a useful way to measure progress
- The key characteristics of assessment capable learners
- The mind frames leaders need to have in order to impact student achievement and instruction
- The role of feedback
- The importance of learning intentions and success criteria
Program Dates and Areas of Focus:
- Oct. 4, 2016 -- Effective instructional practices that impact student achievement and learning.
- Nov. 1, 2016 -- Five phases of the Deep Equity process with Dr. Gary Howard for creating culturally responsive teaching.
- Dec. 6, 2016 --Evidence into Action Part One: Continuation of Visible Learning Institute with an emphasis on leadership actions which have the greatest impact on student outcomes.
- March 7, 2017 -- Evidence into Action Part Two: Continuation of Visible Learning Institute with an emphasis on data analysis and management of change strategies.
Gov. Terry Branstad has announced the Iowa History Advisory Council’s recommendations on ways to improve Iowa history education in schools statewide. Read the Council’s 11 recommendations here.
Welcome to another year, and welcome back to Each and Every Child. Learn about cutting-edge videos for students with significant cognitive disabilities. You can access the videos described in the first story by clicking here. Also read about what one district is doing to substantially increase parental involvement.
The Iowa Department of Public Health is sharing a free online resource, Kognito, that is available to schools through Sept. 29.
Access a wealth of resources and engage in online training simulations designed to prepare teachers, administrators and school staff:
- To recognize when a student is exhibiting signs of psychological distress, and manage a conversation with the student with the goal of connecting them with the appropriate support.
- To support students who may be struggling due to harassment or exclusion related to sexual identity, sexual orientation or other differences.
For more information, click on this link for an informational pamphlet or visit the Kognito website.
Our Mission
To improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth by providing services and leadership in partnership with families, schools and communities.
Our Goals
- Increase learning growth for students
- Decrease the gap in achievement
- Increase annual graduation rates
- Increase gateways to post-secondary success
Steve Robinson, Ed. D.
Administrator, Ankeny Christian Academy
Education:
B.S. Tennessee Temple University
M. Ed. and Ed. D., University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Past Work Experience:
Soddy Daisy High School History and Speech/Theater teacher and Administrator at East Ridge Middle School, Chattanooga area
What is your vision for the Academy?
To provide a solid Christian education to the students at Ankeny Christian Academy. To encourage students in the confidence that they can go anywhere from Ankeny!
What are your hobbies or things you like to do in your free time?
Home projects are my hobby!
Click here to download the 2016-17 Heartland AEA Superintendent Directory. A limited supply of these directories were printed and will be distributed at the September HAA meeting. If you would like a hard copy, please contact Julie McCarty, Communications Specialist, at jmccarty@heartlandaea.org.
The former Parent & Educator Connection has a new name but is still focused on the same mission.
Iowa Family & Educator Partnership helps build positive partnerships between parents and educators so children with special needs are successful. FEP coordinators are parents of children or young adults with special needs, so they share a unique perspective with the families they serve. They provide support and information to families individually and through parent workshops and support groups. They also facilitate linkages between families, schools and community agencies.
Contact the FEP coordinator assigned to your school district if you need assistance or information.
Anyone administering the Tennessee English Language Placement Assessment (TELPA) during the 2016-17 academic year must certify or recertify through training on AEA PD Online.
This class is the required course to receive the Paraeducator Certification Generalist II with the Area of Concentration: English as a Second Language (ESL). Through this course, participants will gain knowledge, skills and strategies to assist and support ESL students.
Dates: Nov. 5, Dec. 10, 2016; Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 4 & April 8, 2017
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA
Register here
Cost: Take advantage of special pricing at $25 as the cost may increase in January 2017.
Title III funds will provide a stipend of $300 for all paraeducators who work with ELLs and who fulfill the course requirements and are currently employed by a public or non-public K-12 school in Heartland AEA 11. This option is not available for employees of Des Moines Public Schools. A reimbursement claim form will be available the last day of class.
Digital citizenship is a fundamental aspect of being a student, teacher and administrator in PK-12 schools. To that end, Heartland AEA is hosting a Digital Citizenship professional development opportunity on Sept. 13. Sessions will provide teachers and administrators with ideas, information, resources and inspiration to help guide their schools through the many facets of digital citizenship. Ryan Wise, director of the Iowa Department of Education, will provide opening remarks and sessions will focus around Mike Ribble's Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship.
Date: Sept. 13, 2016
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Heartland AEA Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, IA
Register by Sept. 8 here
Elementary Building Leadership Teams across Heartland AEA are invited to join this workshop to deepen their understanding in Iowa's Big Rocks:
- Effective leadership team traits
- The interconnectedness of Chapter 62/Early Literacy Initiative (ELI), Teacher Leadership Compensation (TLC), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Differentiated Accountability (DA), Collaborating for Kids (C4K), and Standards and Curriculum
- Building consensus with staff and constituents
- The use of C4K school improvement tools
This opportunity will assist teams in moving forward from the summer TLC-C4K events on June 20 and Aug. 1, however attendance at those leadership sessions is not required for this day.
Keeping School Improvement Practical, Reasonable and Doable for PK - 6 Leadership Teams
Date: Sept. 29, 2016
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Heartland AEA, Regional Education Center, 6500 Corporate Drive, Johnston, Iowa
Registration here
